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Thursday, 27 October 2016

My discovery walk this week was around Toronto's Financial District and part of Yonge Street.

For those who are new to Toronto, the Financial District is where the major bank towers are located, with the main intersection at King and Bay Streets. The major banks include Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, and Toronto Dominion (TD) Bank.

Yonge Street is a major route that connects the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe, a distance of 86 km long. Walking along Yonge Street, you'll pass by all the major intersections in Toronto. It's great for people watching and general exploration. You can also buy a day pass to ride the subway train which has stops along Yonge Street, between Finch and Front Streets, and hop on hop off to explore different areas of Toronto.

Sunday, 23 October 2016

I checked the weather forecast before deciding where to go for my discovery walk. It was partly sunny this morning then became cloudy in the afternoon, with high around 13C (55F).

From Union subway station, I walked to Brookfield Place to see the World Press Photo 16, a traveling exhibition of prize-winning entries by World Press Photo. The exhibition is on until October 25 with free admission. The winning images were selected from 82,951 photos made by 5,775 photographers from 128 different countries. I felt fortunate to be able to view them in my city.

The Allen Lambert Galleria where the exhibition is held is one of my favourite public places in Toronto. It is airy with just the right amount of light, a pleasure to walk through from Bay Street entrance to Yonge Street.

If you are a hockey fan, a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must. This bronze art work at the corner of Yonge and Front Streets captures a group of hockey players. I like their eager and happy expressions.

Continuing east on Front Street towards Church Street, I found a well-known landmark at Church and Wellington Streets: The Gooderham Building or Flatiron building. I find the shape, colour, and location of this building interesting.

On my loop back to Union Station, along Wellington Street, I saw another bronze sculpture titled U.V. Ceti by Andrew Posa, “Dedicated to Edward Isaac Richmond, architect, 1908-1982. A kind man who shared his love of beauty.”

It turned out to be a fine Sunday. I’ve done my exercises today, seen some amazing art work, and now I’m back at home to write this blog post. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I look forward to another walk next week when I plan to see a number of bronze sculptures. How is your weekend?

Saturday, 22 October 2016

Received some good news in the family this week. First, my nephew got his first full-time job in his field of study. He graduated in June and has been working part-time while looking for full-time employment. Second, my niece was offered a part-time job that would give her relevant work experience while she’s studying...All good preparation for the future. Third, my cousin’s daughter will be getting married next June in Paris, France. We’ve got the verbal invitation, with formal invitation to follow. So a trip to Paris is now in my 2017 travel plan! I’ve had the opportunity to visit Paris many times. It’s one of the cities that have so much to offer that each time I go, I have a great time exploring.

In the meantime, I maintain my weekly local discovery walks. This time my walk took me to the CN Tower, Roundhouse Park and a few other sights along Bremner Boulevard.

I went up the CN Tower a few times when my family or friends from abroad visited us. The tickets are pricey but the experience is worth it if you want an outstanding panoramic view of Toronto. Just make sure you go on a clear day, and if you are not afraid of height, look down the glass floor once you’re up there! The CN Tower is 553.33 meters high (1815.4 ft). They recently added the Edge Walk for adventure lovers who want to take a walk OUTSIDE, around the circumference of the roof of the tower. I prefer my adventures at ground level.

Roundhouse Park has a playground, a water fountain and benches. A good place to sit down and take in the sights around me. Autumn splendour is on full display. I couldn’t help taking another picture of the leaves changing colours.

John Street Roundhouse, a National Historic Site of Canada and the Toronto Railway Museum are located here. If you’re into trains, there are a few on display. In the summer, the Toronto Railway Museum’s miniature railway provides rides to visitors. You can see the Rogers Centre with its white, retractable dome in the picture below.

Other nearby sights include Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Olympic park and Air Canada Centre where sports or entertainment events are held year round. The area can get busy with school buses and tour buses drop off visitors, or when there are events going on in the city.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is nice, too. I visited it once since its opening and enjoyed the experience. There is a moving walkway along a glass tunnel where you can view the sharks and marine life around and above you. Again the tickets are pricey so I’d only go again for a special occasion.

All in all a good walk. Hope you enjoy the pictures and will share your local sights, too.

How to get to CN Tower and Roundhouse Park: From Union subway station, come up to street level, then walk towards the CN Tower. You can’t miss it! Roundhouse Park is south of CN Tower.

Where to eat: There are a few restaurants and pubs along Bremner Boulevard. For special occasions, I’d recommend the 360 restaurant at the CN Tower. Reservations required.

Saturday, 15 October 2016

This morning I worked out in the gym for about an hour, thirty minutes on the elliptical, followed by thirty minutes doing weights and abdominal exercises. I would have liked to stay a bit longer, except I have errands to run.

Grocery shopping was done next. I like going to the fruit section in the grocery store the most as the colours just pop out. I’ve got red and green seedless grapes, oranges, bananas, pears, and spartan apples. That should give us yummy snack choices during the week.

In the afternoon, since the weather was still nice, my weekend discovery walk took me to HTO Park. It’s an urban park with a sandy beach and yellow umbrellas, right by the water’s edge of Toronto’s Inner Harbour.

Nearby is a Firefighters Memorial - Last Alarm - with a bronze firefighter statue with flames lapping at its feet while rescuing a swaddled baby. This memorial commemorates the firefighters who have died in the service of the citizens of Toronto since 1848.

Overall, a nice Saturday. Tonight we'll have fish and mixed vegetables for dinner.

How to get to HTO Park: From Union subway station, you can walk there, or take either street car #509 or #510 and get off at Reese Street.

Where to eat: I'd bring my own snack and water. There is a local Rabba store on Queens Quay West where you can pick up items for a picnic. It's open 24/7. There are also local coffee shops, pizza and sushi places near the park if you'd like to eat out.

Monday, 10 October 2016

It's Thanksgiving Monday in Canada so today is a holiday and we're enjoying the long weekend.

I woke up to a clear, cool, sunny morning. Temperature reached about 15C by mid afternoon. After breakfast, I went to the gym for a one-hour workout. I always feel great to get this done before noon.

Mid-day was spent checking a few things on-line. My computer is unusually sluggish... Hope it will be back to normal soon.

In the afternoon, I went on what I called my weekend discovery walk to Sugar Beach. This is an urban beach park with pink umbrellas and Muskoka chairs, right by the water's edge of Lake Ontario. It is a destination suitable for all ages. The leaves are changing colours. They look beautiful in the sun light.

Dear Hubby (DH) is making lasagna for dinner tonight. On this
Thanksgiving Monday, I'm thankful for having good health, a caring
family, and wonderful friends.

How to get to Sugar Beach: From Union subway station, you can walk, or take Bay bus #6 and get off at Corus Quay.

Where to eat: I'd bring my own snack and water. There is a big Loblaws grocery store at Queens Quay West and Lower Jarvis Street where you can pick up items for an impromptu picnic. If you prefer to eat out, the Against the Grain restaurant is available on site. Both Loblaws and Against the Grain are open daily. Check their web sites before you go.

About Me

Welcome to my blog! In 2018, I'm exploring and enjoying a bit of fitness, entertainment, arts, social activities, and travels to keep my mind, body, and spirit alive and healthy. I hope that you'll join me on this journey.